Classic Car News: Aston Martin Goes From Rural Countryside To Urban Metropolis

The Aston Martin owes its origin to Mortimer Morris Goodall and the creation of the Aston Martin Club, which was established to "promote the sport and pastime of motoring", and of course to develop interest in the Aston Martin car, according to Aston Martin: '˜A Complete Illustrated History Of The Marque'. In 1948 there was little hint of the further fame that would be earned in the years to come, adding to the historic status of the Aston Martin as one of the world's greatest Marques.

Like most car manufacturers, Aston Martin experimented with its classic cars, introducing the Atom Saloon G40/900, 2-litre engine, which "technically demonstrated beyond doubt its possibilities" and "provided both the performance and comfort which had previously been associated with cars of twice this nominal power and weight", as quoted in the book '˜Autocar & Motor' by Haymarket Magazines Ltd.

Aston has come a long way since the days of the pre-war Atom, however the Cygnet city car is the latest model to assume the heritage of the classic Aston Martin, and comprises an unorthodox purpose built design. Aston Martin believes that "customers will buy the car to nip in, out and around the city" and Chief Executive of Aston Martin, Dr Ulrich Bez said "many of our customers have a need for a small car for urban use". According to the Times Online you don't have to be James Bond to have the privilege of driving one of these exceptional vehicles. "The opportunity to pop to the supermarket behind the wheel of an Aston Martin will be opened to the more conventional motorist", as opposed to Bond who ostentatiously "screeches around hairpin bends" in a typically classic Aston Martin.
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Evolution and growth is vital for car manufacturers, which is why Dr Bez believes "small is beautiful these days", which coincidently describes the Cygnet perfectly. He continues saying "we have to move on from the preconceived ideas regarding what Aston Martin is about". Aston boasts a reputation based around high-performance cars that sell for upwards of £100,000, but the modest Cygnet will be available for around £20,000.

The city car concept is predicted to apply Aston Martin's design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market, but keeping in touch with the original Aston notion of combining "economy with the type of road results required by the motoring connoisseur", according to Autocar & Motor.